SMC Discussion Areas

I know Im all over the place here, but just trying to get educated on the dispensers.

Got another lead on a Dole Super, probably my favorite so far. She's willing to go $350 on it. I figured these were the more desirable of the dispensers, but also harder to get working.

Needs to be complete.. that little tray for the glass looks home made... it is not correct.... it should be out of stainless and have a small grate with it... also there will be a syrup tank within the tank
which should have a lid and metal plunger...
I have seen these go over $500 on ebay check completed listings... best way to get idea of price.

I paid $300 just for the stand about five or six years ago. Great display piece.

Any more pictures of the Super? It looks like a nice one at least on this side.
I would like to see a close up of that homemade drip pan and front.  Doesn't look too bad considering.

And there is a   Coke Emblem on the back that is often missing and hard to  find

Ok, so I got the Dole Super finally. The drip lip is not there, it was indeed refabricated as seen. I may have a line on an original, but if any of you have one you can part with please let me know.

Stuntpilot, if you were standing in front of this dispenser and wanted to get it working can you give me a step by step (for morons) how you would get this thing working. I'm fairly committed to getting it working, so this could end up being worthy of a pinned thread.

Apologies on the pics. My DROID takes terrible low light pics and I hate using a flash. The paint on this dispenser is terrific aside from the patina in a few spots on both sides. There's a lot of glare on the paint, so nevermind that. No major rust at all.

More pics..

Score for that price!

Very cool.

Kaleid,
         If you remove the homemade drip pan and face plate assembly you will see a 1/2 inch male pipe thread fitting underneath the dispenser, this is your soda water inlet fitting.

         You will need to get a stainless steel fitting with a barbed end to connect to that inlet fitting along with a length of braided tubing which will connect to your carbonator. This also requires a special washer.
         You will also need a carbonator, CO2 tank and regulator.
         Let me do some searching for that fitting and I'll get back with a link.
         You can connect a brass fitting to the the inlet if you wish to test it for leaks with plain water. :biggrin:  Just rig up a hose of some kind.

         The other tube coming out the bottom is the drain tube for the ice bin.
         Syrup goes into the top tank, I hope you got the float that goes in the tank.  
        
         Post some pics of the syrup tank with the lid off and underneath the dispenser with the drip pan off so I can see the fitting and float.
         Show me a close up of the nozzle area where the soda comes out so I can see if you have the syrup orifice.

Pics as requested, also got a part that I have no idea what it does.

that piece has something to do with the base and securing it to the counter?

That dispenser looks really nice.  I have one with a "very high level of patina"  that I thought about making into a flower planter for the front porch.  Its missing some parts, but it does have some of the internal pieces.  Mine has past the point of ever being functional, so if you find you are missing any parts, post a pic and if I have it on mine I would be happy to donate it to the cause of creating a functional machine.

Here's some links to the stuff you need. These are from a e-bay seller and can easily be had cheaper so keep that in mind.
If you find a used carb let me look at it before you buy it. The McCann's I posted a link to is the preferred carb to buy, very reliable. You should be able to find a good used one for around $100.
I'll send you the washer you need when you get all the stuff.
Your machine looks like it has a female inlet fitting for the soda water unless that is the broken off remains of the original block tin fittings.

CO2 regulator,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CO2-REGULATOR-Regulator-TAPRITE-NEW-Model-TC5741HP-/150825723538?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item231de9e692

Carbonator,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/McCanns-Carbonator-w-Backflow-Preventer-115V-32oz-1-3HP-5-YEAR-WARRANTY-/400268343663?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d31da396f

Fitting,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HOSE-BARB-1-4-ID-X-1-2-MPT-HEX-BREWING-316S-S-HB602-/200527392616?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb05d2f68

Once you get a carbonator purchased I'll tell you what fittings you need to hook it up. I could probably make them for you as I have all the stuff on hand.
Good news is you do have the float and syrup orifice.

I had to go dig out one of my super's in the garage to refresh my memory.

Your machine had the sweet little soda shutoff connected in that fitting which you are missing but not to worry as it's not really needed.

I'll post some pictures tonight when I get home and show you where that piece goes, and show you what the original drip pan and grate looks like.

I purchased the fitting and the CO2 regulator.

I found a carbonator locally listed for $100. Tell me if this one looks good or will work.

http://houston.craigslist.org/app/3746768891.html

Kaleid,
      That carb will be fine as long as it works, don't run it without water connected and turned on. $100 is really good for that Big Mac. It hasn't been abused too bad. :biggrin:

      If you want to check the motor just loosen the clamp holding the pump to the motor and pull it forward off the motor so it can't engage while you plug it in, tank also has to be empty of water or it won't run. You should be able to tell if it has water in it. You will also have to remove the stainless line from the pump to the tank to allow it to move forward, don't lose the conical washer when you remove it.

      Here's some pics of my Super and all the parts.

Here's the picture of the part you were wondering about, it rests in the back side of the base and clamps the rear of the unit to the counter with the other bracket.

It slides up and down to adjust for different thickness counters.

Another so you can see all the parts

This is the piece your missing but don't really need, it a handy little soda shutoff that you just screw in the screw and it pinches the rubber insert and shuts off the flow.

Beware though! if you have the syrup tank full and you shut off the soda water the handle drops and your syrup starts to drain out.  :help: This is due to the fact that the pressure holds the handle up, when you take it away the handle is so heavy it drops which allows the syrup to flow. Think about it, your standing there playing with your machine and all of a sudden your expensive syrup starts draining all over everything, easy fix just hold the handle up, problem is finding a clean container while your holding the handle.  :biggrin:  One of my fondest memories is doing this exact thing at a S.S. Kresge's soda fountain, only difference is I had three handles to hold up and customers all around me at the bar to visit with. :biggrin:

Brian, do you have the shut off screw stuntpilot posted?

I also was able to get the carbonator over my lunch today. Grabbed it for $75. The fitting also came in today.

I will let you know once the regulator comes in.

Stuntpilot, what about hoses? Any good internet sites I can get these? How many do I need? Anything else I may need?

I turned it over to my boys a while back and let them figure out how to disassemble it.  All the pieces they got off it are still there, so I will try to pull it out tonight and take a look to see if that piece is still there. 

Thanks Brian, really appreciate you looking.

Time got away from me a bit this evening.  Just remembered I was supposed to go through the dispenser parts.  I do not have a piece that looks like the one Stuntpilot showed, but I do have a piece about hte same size with an in and out male fittings.  It fits onto the threaded connection on the bottom of the dispenser but it has a small lever that rotates rather than a screw.  I took a pic but bedtime is calling so I will resize it tomorrow and post it.  I am sure Stuntpilot will know if it will work or if it is belongs elsewhere on the machine.

I want you to check out this site, they have everything you need to set this up.  Click on products and then click on fittings.
I will get back with a detailed list of what you need to get.
They would probably also make your lines for you, you would have to ask. It might save you from buying the crimping tool for the stepless clamps.
While your checking out the site visit the gallery and look at some of the fountain installs around the country, a couple are very creative.

http://www.sodadispenserdepot.com/

Here is the piece I have.  Is this of any use to him?

Regulator arrived today. Carbonator and fitting also pictured. Phase 1 complete.

Here's a list of what you will need. Starting on the products page in the fittings link.
http://www.sodadispenserdepot.com/

#3116  swivel nut 1/4"       2
#3120  barbed stem           2
#4291  washer                   4
#3118  swivel nut  3/8"       2
#3121  barbed stem            2
#4292  washer                    4

Moving to the tubing page,

#5151  1/4" braided tubing         50'  You can remote the carb to anywhere you like and run tubing to the dispenser, I got 50' so you will have a little extra. 5' will be plenty for the CO2 line
#8152  12.3 stepless "O" clamp   12  Make sure this is the correct clamp for the tubing they are selling, according to their page it is. I don't recommend using screw type hose clamps but if you more at ease doing that you can.
#8111  Pincher                            1  If you have a way to crimp these clamps you don't need this. In an emergency a pair of side cutters will work if your careful.

Moving to the CO2 and regulator page,

#7148   Fiber washer            1  these are sold in 10 packs, this is the washer you need to put into the fitting on the bottom of the machine before you put in the barbed 1/2" fitting you bought. Check to make sure the old one is out.


Don't forget you still need a CO2 tank, any welding supply or fire extinguisher company will sell you CO2. If you buy a new tank you will still need to have it filled and they can't ship cylinders full.
You also need syrup, Sam's sells Bag-in-the-box syrup or go to your local Coke or Pepsi office. They might still sell in gallon jugs. You can also hit them up for CO2.
When you get everything gathered up I will send you my phone number and we'll go over what you have to do.

Now that's an old piece!  Does that have a hole on the bottom and the lever allows it to open?
If it does I think I can tell you what it is. :biggrin:

Not much use for this machine.

Thanks stuntpilot, appreciate all your help here. This is going to be fun.

I purchased everything you posted. I can get a CO2 tank at a place that specializes in kegerators near my house. I'll go to Sam's or Costco for the syrup. I'm thinking I can have everything ready for install by next Friday.

I bought some Food Grade Sanitizer to clean out the syrup tank in the dispenser. Do you have any other suggestions for cleaning the dispenser or should this be enough?

I'm going to go thru the removal of the valve mechanism over the phone with you so you can see the inner workings of this valve, it's actually quite simple.

You will want to replace all the internal O-rings before you make an attempt at pressuring this piece up.

Any good sanitizer will be fine for the syrup tank, a mild bleach solution and scouring pad to shine it up.
When you remove the valve you see the area that really needs the cleaning

Thanks stuntpilot. I'll post as soon as I've got everything and then we can rock n roll.

Does not have a hole in the bottom, the pin on the back of the lever goes all the way through and the lever rotates 180° from straight up to straight down.  It has a piece of  1/4" metal tubong connected to it that connects to one screwed end.  That end has a couple internal gaskets and a very small hole to allow fluid to enter the piece.  If it can't help Kaleid then I guess it doesn't really matter what it is, but it appears to be some sort of a shut off.

Brian,
I think your right that it is just a simple shutoff.
I think you have a different machine and it was mounted inside the ice bin and was an earlier version of what I showed.
Does the machine you took apart look like the one I have on my avatar or the picture with the round handle?  The Dole Deluxe.

If your going to buy Bag-in-the-box syrup you will need one of these for Coke products,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BIB-BAG-IN-BOX-TAP-VALVE-FOR-COKE-SYRUPS-EZ-TAP-QUICK-CONNECT-DISPENSING-/321127233613?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ac4acb84d

Or one of these for Pepsi products,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BIB-BAG-IN-BOX-TAP-VALVE-FOR-PEPSI-GREEN-EZ-TAP-QUICK-CONNECT-DISPENSING-/221228223400?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33823acba8

I should probably warn you that syrup does not come out of those bags easily without a pump, even with these devices.
I can tell you how to do it manually if you like, but one wrong move and you have a big mess.
Or you could buy the few pieces and set up a pump.

I would wait to buy syrup until your sure the machine will hold water pressure. :hopefull:

Would it be better to just buy the regularly packaged syrup instead of the bag in the box or does it really matter?

The round handle was in my bag of parts so it must be the Deluxe.  The machine is rough but the Coke Medalion on the back is in really nice shape.  I need to put all the external pieces back on it and display it.  Liner looks like its stainless, so it would make a cool ice bucket for the bar.

Not sure what you mean by regularly packaged syrup, but if they still sell 1 gallon jugs that is the way to go.
We don't have a Costco so I'm not familiar with what they sell, I thought Sam's only had BIB's.

Do you have the mounting base for it?

That's what I meant. Not sure if they sell them in jugs anymore either, I'll look around this week.

Yeah, I have a base.  Missing the interior lid and the top lid though.  Working on a picninc cooler right now, but I think I'll make this a follow up project to try and reassemble. 

You mentioned that yours was pretty rough, If your interested in buying the Deluxe I have without the base, let me know. I can shoot some close-ups and e-mail them to you.

It's pretty straight with no dents just a lot of surface oxidation and spots. I was thinking about e-baying it but if someone here wants it I would rather it go to someone who will restore it.

I would even consider selling the complete one if someone throws enough money at me! :biggrin:

OK, all parts are in. I was also able to purchase a 5lb CO2 tank, figured it be better to start small. Haven't purchased any syrup yet, since you say it'd be better to test with water first.

Thanks for the offer.  Your Deluxe looks pretty nice, but I am working with limited space, so I am saving my war department passes in case an opportunity comes up around me for a non-Coke roundtop.  Looking forward to seeing Kaleid's unit fully functional.  Hope it works out for him.  If his doesn't hold pressure, he's gonna be obsessed with finding another one that will!

Ok, so stuntpilot spent about 2 hours on the phone with me today walking me through the ins and out of getting this Dole Super working. The first step was to get it cleaned up and make sure the o-rings in the internal valve and fittings were in good shape. The O-rings looked to be in good shape, so I then soaked the fittings and nozzle in food grade sanitizer for about 45 minutes. Then I put it back together and started fastening hoses, etc. I had to replace one of the barbed fittings on the carbonator so it could better fit my hose. Worst thing about the whole process is getting the old hoses off. Here are some pictures of the process up until I have everything hooked up. This is for testing purposes for now so we are using my outdoor water hose and will not be using syrup until we can verify the dispenser can hold water.

More pics...test will be next.

Tested.....FAILED.

Everything held up except for the hose that goes into the dispenser. The bracket above the nut seems to be leaky. I removed and tightened the nut and hose, but still leaked like crazy. At this point I can't tell if its the nut or the bracket that are leaking. If it's the bracket, then I'm likely screwed. So go the travails of getting a 55 year old dispenser working.

After doing some drinking and thinking last night, :happydrinkers: all hope is not lost yet. :hopefull:

Remember that large nut that secures the valve body to the dispenser we talked about, it needs to come off. I'll bet the o-rings on that body are leaking to the inside of the cabinet and it's just coming out there.

I think if you grind the correct size socket it might fit or use a needle nose pliers. I will search my tools and try to find that socket but I'm not holding out any hope I still have it.

Carefully apply a bit of WD-40 to loosen any rust before you try to remove it. Remove the acorn nuts and drop that stainless ring off it might give you some more room to work with. It's an 1-3/8" nut.

If you get it off just twist the tank clockwise, counter clockwise while pulling up and it will come right out the top. I'll get back with you when I get back later today.

        Not sure what tool you are lacking, but it's ironic that this soda fountain wrench posted on E-bay today.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-COPPER-WRENCH-COKE-PEPSI-MACHINE-TOOL-MARKED-FOR-SODA-FOUNTAIN-/231004878707?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c8f6b773#ht_250wt_1147   (http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-COPPER-WRENCH-COKE-PEPSI-MACHINE-TOOL-MARKED-FOR-SODA-FOUNTAIN-/231004878707?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c8f6b773#ht_250wt_1147)

I remember those, they fit a CO2 regulator and the square hole fits on top of the cylinder for valves that didn't have a handwheel. I have one down in my toolbox but it's steel.

I'm pretty sure that's brass and not copper. Not the piece I'm looking for though.

Was able to get it off with a pair of needle nose pliers.

I'm hoping one of those two larger O-rings is the culprit.

It's our last shot. If not we have a cracked inlet line or a bad cold plate.

Hard as hell to find. Home Depot and Ace didn't carry any similar. I measured and did a best guess-timate and ordered 4 online (2 extra just in case) 1 1/2 OD x 1 3/8 ID x 1/16. We'll see if those fit.

What a great project anxious to see if you can get it to work!

Me too. I actually ending up sending the dispenser to American Soda Fountain in Chicago. They specialize in repair or restoration of any sort of soda fountain product. Thanks to bcharlton for the tip. stuntpilot seemed to think there was a cracked line or bad cold plate. We'll see, I get it back next week and then I'll get it hooked back up and ready for another test.

Good Luck on your project!  let us know how it turns out 

So I got the dispenser back from American Soda Fountain earlier this week. I had to wait on a new fitting since I now have the shut-off valve. I've reattached and am ready to rock n roll. Will test on Saturday, but I have very high hopes as it was tested thoroughly by ASF and they had it working just fine. More to come this weekend.

Oh, and if any of you are ever looking for NOS parts for your dispenser/fountain, definitely reach out to American Soda Fountain in Chicago. These guys have just about it all. Didn't have a drip pan, but said they can refabricate that no problem. I'm holding off as it was about $250 to get that done.

Ok, so me and stuntpilot (Mac) spent a bit of time working on a stuck pump issue on the carbonator today. Once that was done, I got everything going, filled with ice and Diet Coke syrup. Here is a video of the result:

My phone camera sucks, so sorry for the video wobble. I will take a higher quality video this week and post it. I figure this will get any of you other dispenser owners out there motivated to get yours working.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWLsvtApd-M&feature=youtu.be

Thanks again for everything Mac.

Ryan sent me an e-mail last night and thought the product was too fizzy. :biggrin: :biggrin:

It's nice to have a video to see it in operation, first of all I can tell that the Texas heat is just killing you, when you have 90 degree water and air temp, this dispensers cold plate is just not big enough to cool the product down from these temps which causes sputtering at the valve because the carbonated water is not cold enough coming out and all the CO2 is escaping. This causes excess foam also when your dispensing. What also happens is you get bridging in the ice bin where the ice in contact with the plate melts quickly and forms a bridge so no ice is touching the plate, you need to tamp down the ice often when your dealing with these temps. Warm dispensing temps = foamy, flat pop. 8)

Second, Ryan thought it tasted pretty good, I didn't know he was going to get Diet Coke instead of Coke. I can see that his drink is way too strong just by looking at the flow, he can't tell this because it is almost impossible to tell if a drinks mixture is too strong as to when it's too weak. It's easy for me to see after watching pop flow for 25 years.

Back in the 50's there was no Diet Coke and this dispenser was set up just for Coke, the viscosity difference between the two is large, diet Coke being the consistency of water and Coke having the consistency of maple syrup.
The flow regulating orifice is way too big for Diet product and there is really nothing you can do to alter the water flow to accommodate this. Unless that soda fountain place has a orifice setup for diet. it needs to be about half the opening of the orifice that's on there.

So were kind of in the same boat as the ice maker, we need to have some relief from the Texas heat or move everything inside. :biggrin:

It's great to see this Super back in operation, there can't be more than a handful still operating.

One other thing!  Get the right glass! you need the original bell shaped 6-1/2 oz glass instead of that fluted imposter! :biggrin: :biggrin:

So a late September, early October test will be in order. I'll get some regular Coke as well since you said this it was it's designed for. I've got a metal fabricator buddy who I'm going to see if he can make something for me to mount this on the Scotsman.

I'll tell you one thing, I think I'm also going to pony up the $$ to get the drip pan fabricated. Man what a mess without it.

Watch ebay the pieces you need will pop up... there's a donor out there somewhere... get the word out...
I'll watch for you...